Binomial theorem

9.2 BASIC CONCEPTS OF BINOMIAL THEREOM

We know that (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 from algebra,

to find (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 we multiply (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 𝑏𝑦 𝑥+𝑦

This becomes
(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑥(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) + 𝑦(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 )
= 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3
= 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3

To find (𝑥 + 𝑦)4 we apply the same procedure, but clearly this method is very
tedious and complex, so we apply the concept of binomial theorem to
simplify it.

Before we start let examine the following binomial expansions

(𝑥 + 𝑦)0 = 1
(𝑥 + 𝑦)1 = 𝑥 + 𝑦
(𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2
(𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3
(𝑥 + 𝑦)4 = 𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 𝑦 + 6𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4

Let make the following observations

*the exponents on the variable 𝒙 is always decreasing, starting with the
exponent of the exponent we are working with, whiles that of 𝒚 is always
increasing along the line thus 𝑥 4 , 𝑥 3 , 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 1 , 𝑥 0 and 𝑦 0 , 𝑦 1 , 𝑦 2 , 𝑦 3 , 𝑦 4
thus for (𝑥 + 𝑦)4

*also observe that the sum of the exponents in each term is the same for the
entire line or equal to the exponent of the binomial.

For instance for 4𝑥 3 𝑦 1 , the sum of the exponent is 3 + 1 = 4,

6𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 2 + 2 = 4 all along the (𝑥 + 𝑦)4 line.
3𝑥𝑦 2 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 1 + 2 = 3 along the (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 line.

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*from this pattern we can find (𝒙 + 𝒚)𝟓 easily using the above method
(𝑥 + 𝑦)5 = ∎𝑥 5 + ∎𝑥 4 𝑦 + ∎𝑥 3 𝑦 2 + ∎𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + ∎𝑥𝑦 4 + ∎𝑦 5
For (𝒙 + 𝒚)𝟔
(𝑥 + 𝑦)6 = ∎𝑥 6 + ∎𝑥 5 𝑦 + ∎𝑥 4 𝑦 2 + ∎𝑥 3 𝑦 3 + ∎𝑥 2 𝑦 4 + ∎𝑥𝑦 5 + ∎𝑦 6
Clearly there is a problem with our expansions even though we are correct,
that problem is the co-efficient of each term.

*the next step is to find the co-efficient of the terms.

To find the co-efficient, we can apply many forms; one form is by using the
PASCAL’ TRIANGLE.

PASCAL’S TRIANGLE.
This is an easy and simple form of finding the co-efficient of binomials;
Each line starts and ends with a 1 and that each entry of a line is the sum of
the two entries above it in the previous line.

For example in calculating the fourth row, we use the third row to
calculate it
Each line starts and ends with a 1
to calculate 4 in the fourth row we add 1 and 3 which is directly above it,
to calculate 6 in the fourth row we add 3 and 3 which is directly above it,
this pattern continues till we get 4 again and then we repeat 1.

1
1 2 1
1 3 3 1
1
4 6 4 1
1 5 10 10 5 1
1 6 15 20 15 6 1
1 7 21 35 35 21 7 1
1 8 28 56 70 56 28 8 1

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EXAMPLE 9.1
Expand the following
(a) (𝑥 + 𝑦)7 (b) (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 (c) (2𝑥 + 𝑦)4
(d) (5𝑥 + 3𝑦)5 (e) (2𝑎 − 3𝑏)4
Solution
(a) First we find the co-efficient of (𝑥 + 𝑦)7
from the Pascal triangle which will be 𝟏, 𝟕, 𝟐𝟏, 𝟑𝟓, 𝟑𝟓, 𝟐𝟏, 𝟕, 𝟏
⟹ (𝑥 + 𝑦)7 = 𝑥 7 + 7𝑥 6 𝑦 + 21𝑥 5 𝑦 2 + 35𝑥 4 𝑦 3 + 35𝑥 3 𝑦 4 + 21𝑥 2 𝑦 5 + 7𝑥𝑦 6 + 𝑦 7

(b) First we find the co-efficient of 𝑥 + 𝑦 6

from the Pascal triangle which will be 𝟏, 𝟔, 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎, 𝟏𝟓, 𝟔, 𝟏
⟹ (𝑥 + 𝑦) = 𝑥 + 6𝑥 𝑦 + 15𝑥 𝑦 + 20𝑥 𝑦 + 15𝑥 𝑦 + 6𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 6
6 6 5 4 2 3 3 2 4 5

(c) First we find the co-efficient of 2𝑥 + 𝑦 4

from the Pascal triangle which will be 𝟏, 𝟒, 𝟔, 𝟒, 𝟏
⟹ (2𝑥 + 𝑦)4 = (2𝑥)4 + 4(2𝑥)3 𝑦 + 6(2𝑥)2 𝑦 2 + 4(2𝑥)𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4
= 16𝑥 4 + 4(2𝑥)3 𝑦 + 6(2𝑥)2 𝑦 2 + 4(2𝑥)𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4
= 16𝑥 4 + 4(8𝑥 3 )𝑦 + 6(4𝑥 2 )𝑦 2 + 4(2𝑥)𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4
= 16𝑥 4 + 32𝑥 3 𝑦 + 24𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 8𝑥𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4

(d) First we find the co-efficient of 5𝑥 + 3𝑦 5

from the Pascal triangle which will be 1, 5, 10, 10, 5, 1
⟹ (5𝑥 + 3𝑦)5 = (5𝑥)5 + 5 5𝑥 4 3𝑦 + 10 5𝑥 3 3𝑦 2 + 10 5𝑥 2 3𝑦 3 + 5 5𝑥 3𝑦 4 + (3𝑦)5
= 3125𝑥 5 + 5(625𝑥 4 ) 3𝑦 + 10 125𝑥 3 (9𝑦 2 ) + 10 25𝑥 2 (27𝑦 3 ) + 5 5𝑥 (81𝑦 4 ) + 243𝑦 5
= 3125𝑥 5 + 9375𝑥 4 𝑦 + 11250𝑥 3 𝑦 2 + 6750𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 75𝑥𝑦 4 + 243𝑦 5

(e) First we find the co-efficient of 2𝑎 − 3𝑏 4

from the Pascal triangle which will be 1, 4, 6, 4, 1
(2𝑎 − 3𝑏)4 = (2𝑎)4 + 4 2𝑎 3 (−3𝑏) + 6 2𝑎 2 (−3𝑏)2 + 4 2𝑎 (−3𝑏)3 + (−3𝑏)4
= 16𝑎4 + 4(8𝑎3 )(−3𝑏) + 6(4𝑎2 )(9𝑏 2 ) + 4 2𝑎 (−27𝑏 3 ) + 81𝑏 4
= 16𝑎4 − 96𝑎3 𝑏 + 216𝑎2 𝑏 2 − 216𝑎𝑏 3 + 81𝑏 4

EXAMPLE 9.2
1 1 𝑏 𝑎
Expand the following (a) ( + )4 (b) ( + )4 (c) ( 𝑎 + 𝑏)3
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

Solution
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4 2
1 1 1 4 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 4
𝑎 + = +4 +6 +4 +
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑏
1 1×1 1×1 1×1 1
= 4 + 4× 3 + 6× 2 + 4 × +
𝑎 𝑎 ×𝑏 𝑎 × 𝑏2 𝑎 × 𝑏3 𝑏4
1 4 6 4 1
= 4+ 3 + 2 2+ 3+ 4
𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑏 𝑏
2
𝑏 𝑎 4 𝑏 4 𝑏 3 𝑎 𝑏 2 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 3 𝑎 4
(b) ( + ) = +4 +6 +4 +
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑏
4 3 2 2 3
𝑏 4×𝑏 ×𝑎 6×𝑏 ×𝑎 4×𝑏×𝑎 𝑎4
= 4+ + + + 4
𝑎 𝑎3 × 𝑏 𝑎2 × 𝑏 2 𝑎 × 𝑏3 𝑏
𝑏 4 4𝑏 3 𝑎 6𝑏 2 𝑎2 4𝑏𝑎3 𝑎4
= 4+ 3 + 2 2 + + 4
𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑏 3 𝑏
Simplify the expression to get
𝑏 4 4𝑏 2 4𝑎2 𝑎4
= 4+ 2 +6+ 2 + 4
𝑎 𝑎 𝑏 𝑏
2 2 3
(c)( 𝑎 + 𝑏)3 = ( 𝑎)3 + 3 𝑎 𝑏 +3 𝑎 𝑏 + 𝑏 ,
1 1
but 𝑎 = 𝑎2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 𝑏 2
1 1 2 1 1 1 1
= (𝑎 2 )3 + 3 𝑎 2 (𝑏 2 ) + 3 𝑎2 (𝑏 2 )2 + (𝑏 2 )3
3 2 1 1 2 3
= 𝑎2 + 3𝑎2 (𝑏 2 ) + 3 𝑎 2 𝑏 2 + 𝑏 2
3 1 1 3
= 𝑎2 + 3𝑎1 𝑏 2 + 3𝑎 2 𝑏1 + 𝑏 2

𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑳 ! 𝑶𝑹 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑴𝑬𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑫( 𝒏𝑪𝒓 )

Pascal’s triangle gives us an easy way to get the co-efficient for the binomial
expansion with small powers(exponent), but it becomes impractical for large
powers. For large powers we apply another method know as
𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑳 ! 𝑶𝑹 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑩𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑴𝑬𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑫 𝑛 𝐶𝑟 .

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𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑳 !
𝒏! (𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍)
If 𝑛 is a positive integer 𝒏!(read 𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙) is defined to be the product of all
the positive integers from 1 through n.
For example, 3! = 𝟑 × 𝟐 × 𝟏 = 𝟔, and 6! = 𝟔 × 𝟓 × 𝟒 × 𝟑 × 𝟐 × 𝟏 = 240. 0! = 1

Example 9.3
Simplify the following
(a) 4! (b) 9! (c) 4 − 1 ! (d) 4 + 1 ! (e) 98!
Solution
each successive term always reduce by one till it get to one.
(a) 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1
(b) 9! = 9 × 8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1
(c) 4 − 1 ! = 3! = 3 × 2 × 1
(d) 4 + 1 ! = 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1
(e) 98! = 98 × 97 × 96 × … … … … .× 3 × 2 × 1

Example 9.4
Simplify the following
(a) 𝑛! (b) 𝑛 − 1 ! (c) 𝑛 + 1 ! (d) 2𝑛 !

Solution
(a) 𝒏! = 𝑛 × 𝑛 − 1 × 𝑛 − 2 × 𝑛 − 3 × … … . .× 1 − 𝑛 × 1
(b) 𝒏 − 𝟏 ! = 𝑛 − 1 × 𝑛 − 2 × 𝑛 − 3 × … … . .× 1 − 𝑛 × 1
(c) 𝒏 + 𝟏 ! = 𝑛 + 1 × 𝑛 × 𝑛 − 1 × 𝑛 − 2 × 𝑛 − 3 × … … . .× 1 − 𝑛 × 1
(d) 𝟐𝒏 ! = 2𝑛 × 2𝑛 − 1 × 2𝑛 − 2 × 2𝑛 − 3 × … … . .× 1

General formula for finding the co-efficient for the binomial expansion

Let check the co-efficient for (𝑥 + 𝑦)4 = 𝑥 4 + 4𝑥 3 𝑦 + 6𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 3 + 𝑦 4

4! 4×3×2×1
𝑥 4 𝑦 0 coefficent = =1
4! × 0! (4 × 3 × 2 × 1) × 1
4! 4×3×2×1
4𝑥 3 𝑦 coefficent = =4
3! × 1! (3 × 2 × 1) × 1

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4! 4×3×2×1
6𝑥 2 𝑦 2 coefficent = =6
2! × 2! (2 × 1) × 1

4! 4×3×2×1
4𝑥𝑦 3 coefficent = =4
1! × 3! 1×1
4! 4×3×2×1
𝑥0𝑦4 coefficent = =1
0! × 4! 1 × (4 × 3 × 2 × 1)

From the above we can deduce a general formula

𝒏
𝐧!
𝑪𝒓 =
(𝐧 − 𝐫)! × 𝐫!

The name for this method is known as 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐃( 𝐧𝐂𝐫 )

(𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑛 = 𝑛 𝐶0 𝑥 𝑛 𝑦 0 + 𝑛 𝐶1 𝑥 𝑛−1 𝑦 + 𝑛 𝐶2 𝑥 𝑛−2 𝑦 2 + 𝑛 𝐶3 𝑥 𝑛−3 𝑦 3 … . . + 𝑛 𝐶𝑟 𝑥 𝑛−𝑟 𝑦 𝑟

Finding the 𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 of a binomial

Let consider the following two examples
(𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 0 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 0 𝑦 2 and (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 0 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥 0 𝑦 3

*From (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 0 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑥 0 𝑦 2 , its first term is 𝑥 2 𝑦 0 , 𝟐𝒏𝒅 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 is 2𝑥𝑦

and 𝟑𝒓𝒅 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 is 𝑥 0 𝑦 2 .

*for (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 0 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥 0 𝑦 3 its first term is 𝑥 3 𝑦 0 , 𝟐𝒏𝒅 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 is

3𝑥 2 𝑦, 𝟑𝒓𝒅 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 is 3𝑥𝑦 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝟒𝒕𝒉 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑖𝑠 𝑥 0 𝑦 3 .

Note: the highest term of a binomial is always equal to the number it is raised plus 1.
Thus (𝑥 + 𝑦)2 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑕 2 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑕𝑎𝑠 3 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠,
3
(𝑥 + 𝑦) 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑕 3 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑕𝑎𝑠 4 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠,
4
(𝑥 + 𝑦) 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑕 4 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑕𝑎𝑠 5 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑜 𝑜𝑛.

*also the sum of the powers of any term is equal to the power to which the
binomial is raised. Thus 𝟑𝒓𝒅 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 of (𝑥 + 𝑦)3
𝑖𝑠 3𝑥 1 𝑦 2 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑠 1 + 2 = 3
𝟓 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 of (𝑥 + 𝑦)7 𝑖𝑠 21𝑥 2 𝑦 5 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑠 2 + 5 = 7
𝒕𝒉

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Procedures
(𝑥 + 𝑦)5 = 5𝐶0 𝑥 5 𝑦 0 + 5𝐶1 𝑥 4 𝑦 + 5 𝐶2 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 + 5 𝐶3 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 5𝐶4 𝑥𝑦 4 + 5 𝐶5 𝑥 0 𝑦 5

(𝑥 + 𝑦)4 = 4𝐶0 𝑥 4 𝑦 0 + 4𝐶1 𝑥 3 𝑦 1 + 4 𝐶2 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 4 𝐶3 𝑥 1 𝑦 3 + 4 𝐶4 𝑥 0 𝑦 4

(𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 3𝐶0 𝑥 3 𝑦 0 + 3𝐶1 𝑥 2 𝑦 1 + 3 𝐶2 𝑥 1 𝑦 2 + 3 𝐶3 𝑥 0 𝑦 3

Clearly we can see a pattern forming, for all three examples the
𝒚 exponent of each 𝟑𝒓𝒅 term is 2, thus for
5
𝐶2 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 + 𝑦)5 , 54𝐶2 𝑥 52 𝑦 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 + 𝑦)54 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3 𝐶2 𝑥 1 𝑦 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 + 𝑦)3

6
From this we can predict the 𝟑𝒓𝒅 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 to be 𝐶2 𝑥 4 𝑦 2
let try to write (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 ,
= 6𝐶0 𝑥 6 𝑦 0 + 6𝐶1 𝑥 5 𝑦 + 𝟔𝑪𝟐 𝒙𝟒 𝒚𝟐 + 6𝐶3 𝑥 3 𝑦 3
*to find the 𝑥 term exponent we realize that sum of the two exponent
on 𝑥 and 𝑦
in each term is equal to the number to which the binomial is raised.

For 5 𝐶2 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 𝑦 5 the sum of their exponent 𝑖𝑠 3 + 2 = 5

𝑤𝑕𝑖𝑐𝑕 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑤𝑕𝑖𝑐𝑕 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙; 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑 ,
same as (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 for 6 𝐶2 𝑥 4 𝑦 2
Which will be 4 + 2 = 6

*hence to find the 𝑥 exponent we just subtract 𝑦 exponent from the binomial
exponent.

Thus 𝑥 value for 5 𝐶2 𝑥 𝑦 2 𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)5 will be 5 − 2 = 3, hence 𝑥 = 3 to be

5
𝐶2 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)5

Thus 𝑥 value for 6𝐶1 𝑥 𝑦 1 𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 will be 6 − 1 = 5, hence 𝑥 = 5 to be

6
𝐶1 𝑥 5 𝑦 1 𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 .

Procedure
*First we find the exponent of 𝑦, the 𝒌𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑛 is equal to 𝑘 − 1
hence the we get 𝒚𝒌−𝟏
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*to find the 𝑥 exponent we just subtract y exponent from the binomial
exponent.
𝑛 − (𝑘 − 1) hence the we get 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏)

Hence the 𝒌𝒕𝒉 term of a binomial is 𝑛 𝐶𝑘−1 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏) 𝒚𝒌−𝟏

EXAMPLE 9.5
(a) Find the 𝟓𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)8 (b) Find the 𝟏𝟏𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)15
(c) Find the 𝟔𝟖𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)93 (d) Find the 𝒂𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 𝑦)20

Solution
(a) the 𝑦 exponent is straight away is 5 − 1 = 4
Then 𝑥 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 8 − 4 = 4
Becomes 8𝐶4 𝒙𝟒 𝒚𝟒
Or from 𝑛 𝐶𝑘−1 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏)𝒚𝒌−𝟏 , 𝑘 = 5, 𝑛=8
8 𝟖−(𝟓−𝟏) 𝟓−𝟏 8 𝟒 𝟒
𝐶5−1 𝒙 𝒚 = 𝐶4 𝒙 𝒚

(b) the 𝑦 exponent is straight away 11 − 1 = 10

Then 𝑥 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 15 − 10 = 5
Becomes 15 𝐶10 𝒙𝟓 𝒚𝟏𝟎
Or from 𝑛 𝐶𝑘−1 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏)𝒚𝒌−𝟏, 𝑘 = 11, 𝑛 = 15
15 𝟏𝟓−(𝟏𝟏−𝟏) 𝟏𝟏−𝟏 15 𝟓 𝟏𝟎
𝐶11−1 𝒙 𝒚 = 𝐶10 𝒙 𝒚

(c) from 𝑛 𝐶𝑘−1 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏) 𝒚𝒌−𝟏, 𝑘 = 68, 𝑛 = 93

93 𝟗𝟑−(𝟔𝟖−𝟏) 𝟔𝟖−𝟏 93 𝟐𝟔 𝟔𝟕
𝐶68−1 𝒙 𝒚 = 𝐶67 𝒙 𝒚

(d) from 𝑛 𝐶𝑘−1 𝒙𝒏−(𝒌−𝟏)𝒚𝒌−𝟏, 𝑘 = 𝑎, 𝑛 = 20

20 20
𝐶𝑎 −1 𝒙𝟐𝟎−(𝒂−𝟏)𝒚𝒂−𝟏 = 𝐶𝑎 −1 𝒙𝟐𝟏−𝒂 𝒚𝑎−1

Finding the co-efficient of a term given the exponent of a term.

Find the co-efficient 𝒚4 in the following

(a) (𝑥 + 𝑦)5 (b) (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 (c) (𝑥 + 𝑦)8
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We can find the 𝑥 exponent by just subtract 𝑦 exponent from the binomial
exponent.
From 𝑛 − (𝑘 − 1) hence the we get 𝒙𝟓−𝟒 = 𝒙𝟏
then we use combination method to find the other co-efficient.
5
𝐶4 𝒙𝟏 𝒚4
For (b) 6 𝐶4 𝒙𝟐 𝒚4 and (c) 8 𝐶4 𝒙𝟒 𝒚4

EXAMPLE 9.6
(a) Find the co-efficient 𝒚8 in the following (𝑥 + 𝑦)15
(b) Find the co-efficient 𝒃11 in the following (2𝑎 + 3𝑏)30

Solution
(a) 15 𝐶8 𝒙𝟏𝟓−𝟖 𝒚8 = 15
𝐶8 𝒙𝟕 𝒚8 (b) 30 𝐶11 𝒙𝟑𝟎−𝟏𝟏𝒚11 = 30
𝐶11 𝒙𝟏𝟗 𝒚11

9.3 GENERAL BINOMIAL THEOREM FORMULA

This is a general formula which is used to expand all binomials, thus including
binomials having fractions and negatives as their exponent.
𝒏! 𝒏 𝒏! 𝒏! 𝒏! 𝒏
(𝒂 + 𝒙)𝒏 = 𝒂 + 𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒂𝒏−𝟐 𝒙𝟐 … … + 𝒙
𝒏! 𝟎! (𝒏 − 𝟏)! 𝟏! (𝒏 − 𝟐)! 𝟐! 𝟎! 𝒏!

Properties of Binomial Expansion (a + b)n

 There are 𝑛 + 1 terms.
 The first term is an and the final term is bn.

 Progressing from the first term to the last, the exponent of 𝑎 decreases by 1
from term to term while the exponent of b increases by 1. In addition, the
sum of the exponents of a and b in each term is n.

 If the coefficient of each term is multiplied by the exponent of a in that term,

and the product is divided by the number of that term, we obtain the
coefficient of the next term.

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Example 9.7
Expand (3 + 𝑥)5 to 𝑥 3

Solution
Applying the general formula we compare (3 + 𝑥)5 and (𝒂 + 𝒙)𝒏 to get
𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = 5
from the general formula
𝑛! 𝑛 𝑛! 𝑛! 𝑛! 𝑛
(𝑎 + 𝑥)𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑛 −1 𝑥 + 𝑎𝑛 −2 𝑥 2 … … + 𝑥
𝑛! 0! (𝑛 − 1)! 1! (𝑛 − 2)! 2! 0! 𝑛!
substitute 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = 5 into this formula
5! 5! 5! 5!
⟹ (3 + 𝑥)5 = 3 5 𝑥0 + 3 5−1 1
𝑥 + 3 5−2 2
𝑥 + 3 5−3 3
𝑥 +⋯
5! 0! (5 − 1)! 1! (5 − 2)! 2! (5 − 3)! 3!
⟹ (3 + 𝑥)5 = 1 3 5
+5 3 5−1
𝑥 + 10 3 5−2 2
𝑥 + 10 3 5−3 3
𝑥 +⋯

GENERAL BINOMIAL THEOREM FORMULA

So far the two formulae we have applied, can be used to expand positive
whole numbers only, but there is a formula for expanding all real numbers
thus fractions, decimals, negatives integers, etc.
we obtain this formula from the general formula we just learnt.

𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏) 𝒏−𝟐 𝟐 𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒏 − 𝟐) 𝒏−𝟑 𝟑

(𝒂 + 𝒙)𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏 + 𝒏𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 + ⋯ + 𝒙𝒏
𝟐! 𝟐!

Example 9.8
Expand (a) (3 + 𝑥)5 to 𝑥 3 (b) (3 + 𝑥)−2 to 𝑥 3

Solution
(a) Applying the general formula we compare (3 + 𝑥)5 and (𝒂 + 𝒙)𝒏 to get
𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = 5
from the general formula
𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏) 𝒏−𝟐 𝟐 𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒏 − 𝟐) 𝒏−𝟑 𝟑
(𝑎 + 𝑥)𝑛 = 𝒂𝒏 + 𝒏𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 … … + 𝒙𝒏
𝟐! 𝟐!
substitute 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = 5 into this formula
5 5−1 5 5−1 5−2
⟹ (3 + 𝑥)5 = 3 5
+5 3 5−1
𝑥+ 3 5−2 2
𝑥 + 3 5−3 3
𝑥 +…
2! 3!

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5 5−1
5×4 5−2 2
5×4×3 5−3 3
= 3 +5 3 𝑥+ 3 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 +
2! 3!
5 4 3 2 2 3
= 3 + 5 3 𝑥 + 10 3 𝑥 + 10 3 𝑥 + ⋯

(b) Applying the general formula we compare (3 + 𝑥)5 and (𝒂 + 𝒙)𝒏 to get
𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = −2
from the general formula
𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏) 𝒏−𝟐 𝟐 𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒏 − 𝟐) 𝒏−𝟑 𝟑
(𝑎 + 𝑥)𝑛 = 𝒂𝒏 + 𝒏𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 + 𝒂 𝒙 … … + 𝒙𝒏
𝟐! 𝟐!
substitute 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑛 = −2 into this formula
−2 −2−1
−2 × −2 − 1 −2−2 2
−2 × −2 − 1 × −2 − 2 −2−3 3
= 3 + −2 3 𝑥+ 3 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 +⋯
2! 3!
−2 −2−1
−2 × −3 −2−2 2
−2 × −3 × −4 −2−3 3
= 3 + −2 3 𝑥+ 3 𝑥 + 3 𝑥 +⋯
2! 3!
−2 −3 −4 2 −5 3
= 3 + −2 3 𝑥+3 3 𝑥 −4 3 𝑥 +⋯
This formula is also simplified to the form
𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏) 𝟐 𝒏(𝒏 − 𝟏)(𝒏 − 𝟐) 𝟑
(𝟏 + 𝒙)𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏 + 𝒏𝒙 + 𝒙 + 𝒙 +⋯
𝟐! 𝟐!

𝒃 𝒏
Factorization of (𝒂 + 𝒃)𝒏 in the form 𝒂𝒏 𝟏 +
𝒂
From basic factorization 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 𝑦)
But if we have 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 the factorization of this expression will depend on what
we want to factorize out, since the two terms in the binomial are not the same
𝑏
*Factoring 𝑎 out we get 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑦 ,
𝑎
𝑏 𝑏
if we expand 𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑥×𝑎 + 𝑦×𝑎 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦
𝑎 𝑎

𝑎
*Factoring 𝑏 out we get 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥+𝑦 ,
𝑏
𝑎 𝑎
if we expand 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑦 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑥 × 𝑏 + 𝑦 × 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦
𝑏 𝑏
We can then use the above principle to factorize any binomial with different
terms.
This principle is very important in binomial theorem.
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EXAMPLE 9.8
Factorize 𝑥 out in the following
(a) 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑘 (b) 1 + 𝑝𝑥 (c) (1 + 𝑝𝑥)2

Solution
𝑘 1
𝑎 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑘 = 𝑥 𝑚 + (b) 1 + 𝑝𝑥 = 𝑥 +𝑝
𝑥 𝑥
1 2
(c) (1 + 𝑝𝑥)2 = 𝑥 2 +𝑝
𝑥

EXAMPLE 9.9
Expand the following up to 𝑥 3
1 1
(a) (b)
1+𝑥 1+𝑥

Solution
1 −1 −1 −1−1 −1 −1−1 −1−2
(a) = 1+𝑥 = 1 + −1 𝑥 + 𝑥 2+ 𝑥 3
+⋯
1+𝑥 2 3×2×1
2 6
= 1 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 + ⋯ ..
2 6
= 1 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 𝑥 3 +….
2

1 1
−2
(b) = 1+𝑥
1+𝑥
3 15
3 2 3 1 3 −8 15 6 15 1 5
4
But = ÷ = × = and =− ÷ =− × =
2 4 1 4 2 8 6 8 1 8 6 16

1 1 1 1 1
1 −2 −2−1 −2 −2−1 −2 −2
2 3
=1+ − 𝑥 + 𝑥 + 𝑥 +
2 2 3×2×1
3 15
1 −
=1− 𝑥+ 4 𝑥2 + 8 𝑥3 + ⋯
2 2 6
1 3 2 5 3
=1− 𝑥+ 𝑥 − 𝑥 +⋯
2 8 16

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9.4 APPROXIMATION
The concept of binomial theorem can be used to calculate and approximate
exponential values. For example 𝟓2 can be written in a binomial form and
then evaluated to find its exact value.

𝟓2 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 (𝟒 + 𝟏)2 𝒐𝒓 (𝟑 + 𝟐)2 , 𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 binomial theorem

⟹ (𝟒 + 𝟏)2 = (𝟒)𝟐 + 𝟐 𝟒 𝟏 + (𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔 + 𝟖 + 𝟏 = 𝟐𝟓
⟹ (𝟑 + 𝟐)2 = (𝟑)𝟐 + 𝟐 𝟑 𝟐 + (𝟐)𝟐 = 𝟗 + 𝟏𝟐 + 𝟒 = 𝟐𝟓

The main use of this method is when we want to evaluate irrational numbers like
𝟔
(𝟐. 𝟑)𝟐 , (𝟓. 𝟎𝟎𝟕)𝟓 , ( )𝟏𝟒, (𝟔. 𝟎𝟑)−𝟓 𝒆𝒕𝒄.
𝟏𝟏

EXAMPLE 9.10
Use the expansion of 𝑎 (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 and 𝑏 (𝑥 − 𝑦)3 to expand 73

Solution
𝑎 (𝑥 + 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3
We 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑕𝑖𝑐𝑕 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 7, 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑕𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4
(3 + 4 = 7)
Let 𝑥 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 4 and we substitute into (𝑥 + 𝑦)3
⟹ (3 + 4)3 = (3)3 + 3 3 2 (4) + 3 3 (4)2 + (4)3
= 27 + 108 + 144 + 64 = 343

𝑏 (𝑥 − 𝑦)3 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦 + 3𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦 3
We 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑕𝑖𝑐𝑕 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑔𝑒𝑡 7,
𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑕𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 9 (9 − 2 = 7)
Let 𝑥 = 9 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 2 and we substitute into (𝑥 − 𝑦)3
⟹ (9 − 2)3 = (9)3 − 3 9 2 (2) + 3 9 (2)2 + (2)3
= 729 − 486 + 108 − 8 = 343

EXAMPLE 9.11
Use the expansion of (1 + 2𝑥)3 to expand 53

Solution

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First we expand (1 + 2𝑥)3

(1 + 2𝑥)3 = (1)3 + 3 1 2 2𝑥 + 3 1 1 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 3
= 1 + 6𝑥 + 12𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 3
Using the above expansion means we must equate (1 + 2𝑥)3 to 53 to get
𝑥 value
(1 + 2𝑥)3 = 53 , but 53 = (1 + 4)
(1 + 2𝑥)3 = (1 + 4), we compare to get ⟹ 2𝑥 = 4 ⟹𝑥=2
3 3
We then substitute 𝑥 = 2 into (1 + 2𝑥) to expand 5
(1 + 4)3 = 1 + 6 2 + 12 2 2 + 8 3 3
= 1 + 12 + 48 + 64 = 125

EXAMPLE 9.12
1
Expand (1 + 𝑥)2 to 𝑥 3 and use it to approximate
1
1
2
𝑎 (1.03) 𝑏 (2.03)2

Solution
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 ( −1) ( −1)( −2)
2
(a) (1 + 𝑥) = 1 +2
2
𝑥+ 2 2
𝑥 + 𝑥3 + ⋯
2 2 2
1! 2! 3!
1 1 1 1 3
1 (− ) (− )(− )
=1+ 𝑥+ 2 2 2
𝑥 + 2 2 2 𝑥3 + ⋯
2 2 3×2×1
1 3
1 (− ) ( )
=1+ 𝑥+ 4 𝑥2 + 8 𝑥3 + ⋯
2 2 3×2×1
1 1 1
= 1 + 𝑥 − 𝑥2 + 𝑥3 + ⋯
2 8 16

1 1
We convert (1.03)2 to the form (1 + 𝑥)2
1 1
(1 + 0.03)2 = (1.03)2
1 1
Compare (1 + 0.03)2 and (1 + 𝑥)2 to find 𝑥
1 + 0.03 = 1 + 𝑥 , 𝑥 = 0.03
substitute 𝑥 = 0.03 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑕𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡
1 1 1
= 1 + 0.03 − 0.03 2 + 0.03 3
2 8 16
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Binomial theorem

= 1 + 0.015 − 0.0001125 + 0.00000168

= 1.014889
1 1 1 0.03 1
(b) (2.03)2 = (2 + 0.03)2 = [22 (1 + )2 ]
2
1
2 3
1 0.03 2 1 1 0.03 1 0.03 1 0.03
= 22 1+ = 22 [1 + − + + ⋯]
2 2 2 8 2 16 2
1
= 22 1 + 0.0075 − 0.000028125 + 0.000000210
1
= 22 1.007472
= 1.42478

EXAMPLE 9.13
Express the following in the form (1 + 𝑦)𝑛
1
𝑎 (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥)5 𝑏 (𝑥 − 5)−1 𝑐 (3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 )2

Solution
(a) We factorize 𝑥 2 out to get 1 on the left handside
5 5
2𝑥 2 2𝑥 2
= [𝑥 2 1 + 2 ]5 = [𝑥 2 1 + ]5 = 𝑥 2×5 1 + 2 =𝑥 10
1+
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
2
Hence 𝑦 =
𝑥

(b) We factorize 𝑥 out to get 1 on the left handside

5 5 −1 5
= [𝑥 1 − ]−1 = 𝑥 1 − Hence 𝑦 =
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

(c) We factorize 3𝑥 4 out to get 1 on the left handside

1
2𝑥 2 1 2 1 1 2 2
= [3𝑥 4 1 − 4 ]2 = [(3𝑥 4 1 − 2 ]2 = (3𝑥 4 )2 1 − 2
3𝑥 3𝑥 3𝑥

EXAMPLE 9.14
Use the expansion of (1 + 𝑥)3 to solve 1.2 3

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Solution
(a) First we expand (1 + 𝑥)3 = 1 + 3𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥 3
We find 𝑥 𝑏𝑦 equating 1 + 𝑥 to 1.2
⟹ 1 + 𝑥 = 1.2 ⟹ 𝑥 = 1.2 − 1 = 0.2
substitute 𝑥 = 0.2 into the expansion
1.2 3 = 1 + 3 0.2 + 3 0.2 2 + 0.2 3
= 1 + 0.6 + 0.12 + 0.008
= 1.728

Example 9.15
Evaluate the following
1
(𝑎) (5.3)4 (𝑏) (3.06)2 (𝑐) (5.3)3 (𝑑) (3.06)−1

Solution
(a) For a question like this we can apply any formula since no expansion was
given.
(5.3)4 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 (5 + 0.3)4
⟹ 5 + 0.3 = 5 + 4 5 0.3 + 6 5 2 0.3 2 + 4 5 0.3 3 + 0.3 4
4 4 3

= 789.0481
2 2 2
𝑏 ⟹ 3.06 = 3 + 0.06 = 3 + 2 3 0.06 + 0.06 2
= 9.0036
1
1 1 0.3 3 0.3
𝑐 5 + 0.3 3 =5 3 1+ but = 0.06
5 5
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 0.3 3 1 1 −1 −1 −2
3 3 2 3 3 3 3
=5 3 1+ = 5 [1 + (0.06) +
3 0.06 + 0.06 + ⋯]
5 3 2 3×2×1
2 10
1 1 −9
2 27 3
= 53 [1 + (0.06) + 0.06 + 0.06 +⋯]
3 2 6
2 10
−9 2 2 2 1 1 27 10 6 10 1 5
But =− ÷ =− × = and = ÷ = × =
2 9 1 9 2 9 6 27 1 27 6 81

1 1 1 2
5 3
= 53 1 +0.06 + 0.06 + 0.06 +⋯
3 9 81
1
= 53 1.02041 = 1.767

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1
−1 −1 0.06 3 0.06
(𝑑) (3 + 0.06) =3 1+ but = 0.02
3 3
1
0.06 3 −1 −1−1 −1 −1−1 −1−2
= 3−1 1 + = 3−1 [1 + (−1)(0.02) + 0.02 2
+ 0.02 3 ]
5 2 3×2×1
(−1) −2 −1 −2 (−3)
= 3−1 [1 + (−1)(0.02) + 0.02 2
+ 0.02 3 ]
2 6
2 6
= 3−1 1 − 0.02 + 0.02 2
− 0.02 3
+⋯
2 6
1
= 0.980392 = 0.3268
3

Example 9.16
If the expansion of (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥)3 = 8 + 60𝑥 + 150𝑥 2 + 125𝑥 3 , find 𝑎 and 𝑏

Solution
First we expand (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥)3 to get 𝑎3 + 3𝑎2 (𝑏𝑥) + 3𝑎(𝑏𝑥)2 + (𝑏𝑥)3
We compare 𝑎3 + 3𝑎2 (𝑏𝑥) + 3𝑎(𝑏𝑥)2 + (𝑏𝑥)3 and 8 + 60𝑥 + 150𝑥 2 + 125𝑥 3
⟹ 𝑎3 = 8
⟹ 𝑎3 = 2 3
⟹𝑎=2

⟹ 3𝑎2 𝑏𝑥 = 60𝑥
3𝑎2 𝑏𝑥 60𝑥
⟹ = 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑎 = 2, ⟹ 2 2 𝑏 = 20
3𝑥 3𝑥
⟹ 4𝑏 = 20
20
⟹𝑏= =5
4

Example 9.17
If the first 4 terms of (1 + 𝑥)𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑒 1 + 𝑎𝑥 + 10𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 3 find 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛

Solution
𝑛 𝑛−1 𝑛 𝑛−1 𝑛−2
(1 + 𝑥)𝑛 = 1 + 𝑛𝑥 + 𝑥 2
+ 𝑥 3
2 3×2×1
We compare
⟹ 𝑛𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥
⟹𝑎=𝑛

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𝑛 𝑛−1 2
⟹ 𝑥 = 10𝑥 2
2
𝑛 𝑛−1
⟹ = 10
2
⟹ 𝑛 𝑛 − 1 = 10 × 2

𝑛 𝑛−1 𝑛−2
⟹ 𝑥 3 = 10𝑥 3
3×2×1
𝑛 𝑛−1 𝑛−2
⟹ = 10
6
⟹ 𝑛 𝑛 − 1 𝑛 − 2 = 10 × 6 But 𝑛 𝑛 − 1 = 20
⟹ 20 𝑛 − 2 = 60
⟹ 𝑛−2 =3

⟹ 𝑛 = 3 + 2 = 5 and 𝑎 = 5

Example 9.18
1 4
Use the expansion of (1 − 𝑥)2 to evaluate .
5

Solution
1 1 1 1 4
(1 − 𝑥)2 = 1 − 𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑥3 + ⋯ 𝑏𝑢𝑡 = 0.8
2 8 16 5
1
We have been restricted to the use (1 − 𝑥)2 we find the value of 𝑥 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑖𝑡.
⟹ 1 − 𝑥 = 0.8 ⟹ 𝑥 = 1 − 0.8 = 0.2
1 1 1 1
⟹ 1 − 0.2 2 = 1 − 0.2 − 0.2 2 − 0.2 3 = 0.8944
2 8 16

Example 9.19
Expand (2 + 𝑥)3 and hence evaluate (1.6)3

Solution
(1.6)3 = (1 + 0.6)3 = 1 + 3 0.6 + 3 0.6 2 + 0.6 3
Clearly this expansion is correct but we can’t use this answer because we
were restricted to use (2 + 𝑥)3 , hence we have to expand (2 + 𝑥)3 and apply it
to find 𝑥.
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⟹ 2 + 𝑥 3 = 1.6 3
⟹ 2 + 𝑥 = 2 + 1.6
⟹ 𝑥 = 1.6 − 2 = −0.4
We then substitute 𝑥 = −0.4 into the expression of (2 + 𝑥)3
⟹ (2 + 𝑥)3 = (2)3 + 3(2)2 (𝑥) + 3(2)(𝑥)2 + (𝑥)3
⟹ (2 − 0.4)3 = (2)3 + 3 2 2 −0.4 + 3 2 −0.4 2 + −0.4 3 = 4.096

Example 9.20
1
3
Expand (1 + 5𝑥)3 and hence evaluate 1.35

Solution
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 −1 −1 −2
3 3 2 3 3 3 3
(1 + 5𝑥)3 = 1 + 5𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 5𝑥 +⋯
3 2 3×2×1
5 25 625
=1+ 𝑥− 𝑥2 − 𝑥3 + ⋯
3 9 162

3 1
⟹ 1.35 = (1 + 0.35)3
1 1
Find 𝑥 by comparing (1 + 0.35)3 and (1 + 5𝑥)3
1 + 0.35 = 1 + 5𝑥
⟹ 5𝑥 = 0.35
0.35
⟹𝑥= = 0.07
5
5 25 625
= 1 + 0.07 − 0.07 2 − 0.07 3
3 9 162
= 1.10520

Example 9.21
2
(i) Use the expansion of 1 + 𝑥 to evaluate
4
4 2 3 3 6
(a) 2 (b) 5
(c) 4

4 8
(ii) Use the expansion of 1 + 𝑥 to evaluate 1.02

Solution
2
⟹ 1+𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2
4 2 2
(a) 2 = 2
⟹ 22 2
= 1+𝑥 2

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⟹ 1 + 𝑥 = 22
⟹ 𝑥 =4−1 =3
2
Substitute 𝑥 = 3 into 1+𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2
=1+2 3 + 3 2
= 1+6+9
= 16

4 2 2
2 3 2 3
(b) =
5 5
2 2 2
2 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 12
⟹ = 1+𝑥 but = × =
5 5 5 5 5
12
⟹ 1+𝑥 =
5
12 7
⟹𝑥= −1 =−
5 5
7 2
Substitute 𝑥 = − 5 into 1+𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2
2
7 7
=1+2 − + −
5 5
14 49
=1− +
5 25
4
= 25

2
3 6 3 4
(c) =
4 4
2
3 4 2 3 4 81
⟹ = 1+𝑥 but = 16
4 4
81
⟹ 1+𝑥 =
16
81 75
⟹𝑥= −1 =
16 16
75 2
Substitute 𝑥 = 16 into 1+𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2
2
75 75
=1+2 +
16 16
75 5625
=1+ +
8 256

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(ii)
⟹ 1 + 𝑥 4 = 1 + 4𝑥 + 6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 4
1.02 8 = 1 + 0.02 2 4
⟹ 1 + 0.02 2 4 = 1 + 𝑥 4
⟹ 1 + 𝑥 = 1 + 0.02 2
⟹ 1 + 𝑥 = 1 + 2 0.02 + 0.02 2
⟹ 1 + 𝑥 = 1.04
⟹ 𝑥 = 1.04 − 1
⟹ 𝑥 = 0.04
Substitute 𝑥 = 0.04 into 1 + 𝑥 4 = 1 + 4𝑥 + 6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 4
= 1 + 4 0.04 + 6 0.04 2 + 4 0.04 3 + 0.04 4
= 1 + 0.16 + 0.0096 + 0.000256 + 0.00000256
≈ 1.16986

9.5 APPLICATIONS OF BINOMIAL

THEOREM
The concept of binomial theorem can be applied to solve many problems in
mathematics, but here we are going to consider a few of them.

Example 9.21
if 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 , find the percentage increase in 𝑦, if the percentage increase in 𝑥 is 5%.

Solution
First we find the real value that 𝑥, increased by
𝑥 is increased 5%, hence
5
⟹ 𝑥 = 0.05𝑥
100
New value of 𝑥 is 𝑥 + 0.05𝑥 = 1 + 0.05 𝑥

New value of 𝑦

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Binomial theorem

⟹ 𝑦 = 1 + 0.05 𝑥 2
⟹ 𝑦 = 1 2 + 2 1 0.05 + 0.05 2
𝑥2
⟹ 𝑦 = 1.1025𝑥 2

Percentage increase in 𝑦
∆𝑦
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑦
1.1025𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑥2
0.1025𝑥 2
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑥2
⟹ 𝑦% = 10.25%

Example 9.22
The radius of a cylinder is increased by 3% and its height is decreased by 5%.
find the percentage increase in its volume.

Solution
the formula for the volume of a cylinder is 𝑣 = 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕
real value that 𝑟 increased by real value that 𝑕 decreased
𝑟 is increased 3% 𝑕 is decreased 5%
3 5
⟹ 𝑟 = 0.03𝑟 ⟹ 𝑕 = 0.05𝑕
100 100
New value of 𝑟 is New value of 𝑕 is
𝑟 + 0.03𝑟 = 1 + 0.03 𝑟 𝑕 − 0.05𝑕 = 1 − 0.05 𝑕
New value of 𝑦
⟹ 𝑣 = 𝜋 1 + 0.03 𝑟 2 1 − 0.05 𝑕
⟹ 𝑣 = 𝜋 1 2 + 2 1 0.03 + 0.03 2 𝑟 2 1 − 0.05 𝑕
the value 0.03 2 is very small hence can’t influence the answer, so we can
ignore it
⟹ 𝑣 = 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕 1 + 0.06 1 − 0.05
⟹ 𝑦 = 1.007𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕

Percentage increase in 𝑣
∆𝑣
⟹ 𝑣% = × 100
𝑣
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Binomial theorem

1.007𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕 − 𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕
⟹ 𝑣% = × 100
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕
0.007𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕
⟹ 𝑣% = × 100
𝜋𝑟 2 𝑕
⟹ 𝑣% = 0.7%

Example 9.23
𝑥
if 𝑦 = , find the percentage increase in 𝑦, if the percentage decrease in 𝑥 is
𝑧
7%, the percentage increase in 𝑧 is 10%.

Solution
real value of 𝑥 decreased real value of 𝑧 increased
𝑥 is decreased 7% 𝑧 is increased 10%
7 10
⟹ 𝑥 = 0.07𝑥 ⟹ 𝑧 = 0.1𝑧
100 100
New value of 𝑥 is New value of 𝑧 is
𝑥 − 0.07𝑥 = 1 − 0.07 𝑥 𝑧 + 0.1𝑧 = 1 + 0.1 𝑧

New value of 𝑦
1 1
1 − 0.07 𝑥 2 1 − 0.07 𝑥 2
⟹𝑦= = 1
1 + 0.1 𝑧 1 + 0.1 𝑧 2
1 1 1 1 1
1 − 0.07 𝑥 2 1− 0.07 − 0.07 2 − 0.07 3 + ⋯ 𝑥2
2 8 16
⟹𝑦= 1 = 1
1 1 1
1 + 0.1 𝑧 2 1 + 0.1 + 0.1 2 + 0.1 3 + ⋯ 𝑧2
2 8 16
1 1 1 1
the values − 8 0.07 2 − 16 0.07 3 and 8 0.1 2 + 16 0.1 3
is very small hence
can’t influence the answer, so we can ignore them.
1 1 1
1− 0.07 𝑥2 1 − 0.035 𝑥 2
2
⟹𝑦= 1
= 1
1 + 0.1 1 + 0.05 𝑧2
2

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1
0.919𝑥2 𝑥
⟹𝑦= 1 = 0.919
𝑧
𝑧2

Percentage increase in 𝑦
𝑥
∆
𝑧
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑥
𝑧
𝑥 𝑥
− 0.919
𝑧 𝑧
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑥
𝑧
𝑥
0.081
𝑧
⟹ 𝑦% = × 100
𝑥
𝑧
⟹ 𝑦% = 8.1%

EXERCISE
(1) Expand the following
(a) (𝑥 + 𝑦)6 (b) (𝑥 + 4𝑦)3 (c) (2𝑥 − 5𝑦)5 (d) (5𝑥 − 𝑦)5 (e) (2𝑎 − 7𝑏)2

(2) Expand the following

(a) (3𝑥 − 𝑦)6 (b) (3𝑥 − 4𝑦)9 (c) (𝑥 + 5𝑦)5 (d) (5𝑥 + 6𝑦)5 (e) (2𝑎 − 7𝑏)7

(3) Expand the following

1 𝑎 𝑎
(a) (𝑎 + 𝑏 )8 (b) (1 + 𝑏 )7 (c) (2 𝑎 − 𝑏)7

(4) Expand the following

𝑎 𝑏 𝑎
(a) (1 − )8 (b) ( − )7 (c) ( 𝑎 − 𝑏)5
𝑏 𝑎 𝑏

(5) Simplify the following

(a)8! (b)7! (c) 5 − 7 ! (d) 8 + 1 ! (e) 998!

(6) Simplify the following

(a)3𝑛! (b) 4𝑛 − 1 ! (c)4 𝑛 + 1 ! (d) 27𝑛 !

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(7) Find the 𝟑𝟓𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 3𝑦)58 (8) Find the 𝟓𝟏𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 2𝑦)55
(9) Find the 𝟔𝟖𝒕𝒉 term of (𝑥 + 6𝑦)93 (10) Find the 𝒂𝒕𝒉 term of (2𝑥 + 𝑦)25
(11) Find the co-efficient 𝒚81 in the following (𝑥 + 𝑦)159
(12) Find the co-efficient 𝒃141 in the following (𝑎 + 3𝑏)390
(13) Find the co-efficient 𝒚18 in the following (𝑥 − 𝑦)19
(14) Find the co-efficient 𝒃41 in the following (𝑎 − 3𝑏)90
(15) Expand (7 − 𝑥)85 to 𝑥 3
(16) Expand (2𝑥 − 𝑦)45 to 𝑥 3
(17) Expand (5𝑥 + 𝑦)54 to 𝑥 3
(18) Expand (a) (5𝑥 + 𝑦)−5 to 𝑥 3 (b) (7 − 𝑥)−2 to 𝑥 3
(19) Expand (a) (𝑥 + 𝑦)−43 to 𝑥 3 (b) (𝑎 − 𝑥)−8 to 𝑥 3
(20) Factorize 𝑥 out in the following
(a)𝑛𝑥 + 𝑡 (b) 7 + 𝑞𝑥 (c)(9 − 𝑥)2
(21) Expand the following up to 𝑥 3
1 1
(a) 5𝑥+3 (b) 1−𝑥
(22) Use the expansion of 𝑎 (𝑥 − 2𝑦)3 and 𝑏 (3𝑥 − 𝑦)3 to expand 93
1
(23) Expand (1 + 𝑥)3 to 𝑥 3 and use it to approximate
1 1
3
𝑎 (1.003) 𝑏 (6.08)3
(24) Express the following in the form (1 + 𝑦)𝑛
1
𝑎 (𝑥 2 + 5𝑥)5 𝑏 (𝑥 + 2)−1 𝑐 (𝑥 4 − 𝑥 2 )−2
(25) Use the expansion of 𝑎 (1 + 𝑥)7 𝑏 (1 − 𝑥)7 to solve (1.8)3
(26) Evaluate the following
1
(𝑎) (7.37)4 (𝑏) (83.06)−2 (𝑐) (35.3)3 (𝑑) (53.06)−7

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